With EU Environment ministers meeting tomorrow to finalise the EU’s position for the Copenhagen climate change conference in December, the European Wind Energy Association is releasing new calculations on how much wind power can contribute to achieving greenhouse gas emission targets.

In a briefing for Ministers and Members of the European Parliament, EWEA says that it expects wind energy to avoid the emission of 333 million tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2020. This is the equivalent to 29% of the EU’s current greenhouse gas reduction target of 20% by 2020.

“The EU should go into Copenhagen confident that greenhouse gas emissions can be slashed rapidly, and that its own targets can be met and exceeded,” said Christian Kjaer, CEO of EWEA. “The growing pessimism on global action against climate change needs to be nipped in the bud. The targets can be achieved with currently available renewable energy technology and an increase in Europe’s energy efficiency. The wind energy industry is already delivering massive greenhouse gas emission reductions.”

“Europe is still far ahead of a rather unambitious group of developed countries when it comes to commitments. However, if it takes the scientific evidence seriously, the EU should raise its ambition and aim for a 30% domestic carbon reduction target, with offsetting mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism adding a further 10%. ,” Kjaer added.

In 2012, wind power in the EU will avoid the emission of 146 million tonnes of CO₂ – equivalent to 32% of the EU’s Kyoto greenhouse gas reduction target.

EWEA is the voice of the wind industry, actively promoting wind power in Europe and worldwide. It has over 600 members, which are active in over 50 countries, making EWEA the world's largest and most powerful wind energy network.